By Hays Carlyon
Jaguars fans expected to see rookie Travis Hunter put on a show in the preseason opener against Pittsburgh on Saturday night at EverBank Stadium.
Hunter did play both on offense and defense, taking another step towards what will be arguably the most extraordinary and unique start to an NFL career we’ve ever seen a player embark upon.
But he was upstaged.
Cam Little stole the show. The second-year kicker made a 70-yard field goal to end the first half.
I make a bunch pf typos but that isn’t one of them. Yes, Cam Little, all 172 pounds of him, made a field goal that would set the NFL record – by 4 yards.
The NFL record was set in 2021 by then-Baltimore kicker Justin Tucker when he connected from 66 yards against Detroit. Little’s kick won’t count in the books, but it shows the high level of confidence Liam Coen has in him.
By the way, the kick would’ve been good from 72 yards. It easily cleared the crossbar.
Little’s stunning achievement, which was not wind aided, sent the Jaguars sideline into instant celebration.
Honestly, it was a fairly uninspiring half of football for the Jaguars until Little announced himself to the NFL universe.
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence was fine (6 of 7 for 43 yards). Hunter caught two passes for 9 yards, playing 10 offensive snaps. He missed a tackle on one of his eight defensive snaps.
Overall, it was a subpar effort
There were too many drops and penalties.
The starting defense played one series, allowing Steelers backup Mason Rudolph to complete all seven of his passes on a touchdown drive.
The Jaguars did appear to avoid any significant injuries to key players in the game.
Overall, it was a disappointing opening outing but a night that likely will quickly lose relevance. The opener is still four weeks away.
We do know one player that’s ready for Week 1 vs. the Carolina Panthers. All 172 pounds of him.
(You can email Hays at [email protected] and follow him on X/Twitter @HaysCarlyon).
